The Future of Construction Technology
Manage episode 482155545 series 3527119
Ever wondered what happens when you combine deep construction industry expertise with cutting-edge technology? Matt Perrott, founder of BuildPass, takes us on a fascinating journey from his days as a civil engineering student to building a construction tech platform now used by 150,000 workers across multiple countries.
Matt's story isn't just about business success - it's about identifying a genuine problem in an industry resistant to change. "I knew how to build technology and I had mates complaining to me about their lives in construction," he explains, describing the origin of BuildPass. What began as a simple QR code-based induction system during COVID has evolved into a comprehensive site operations platform managing everything from safety compliance to defect tracking.
The conversation takes a particularly illuminating turn when discussing artificial intelligence's role in construction's future. Beyond the ChatGPT applications everyone's familiar with, Matt describes practical AI implementations that are transforming job sites - from voice-activated assistants that help builders multitask to systems that automatically generate reports from site photos. His advice? "Your reflex should be to use AI first, rather than doing it the old way."
Perhaps most valuable is Matt's transparency about the entrepreneurial journey itself - working 70-hour weeks, paying himself less than minimum wage for years, and navigating the challenges of expanding internationally. His insights on brand building, focus, and consistency provide a masterclass for anyone looking to innovate in established industries.
Whether you're in construction, tech, or simply curious about how industries evolve, this conversation offers rare insights into how practical problems drive innovation, and how staying focused on solving specific pain points can create extraordinary value. Ready to see construction's digital transformation through the eyes of someone making it happen? This episode is your blueprint.
Chapters
1. Meeting Matt Perrett from BuildPass (00:00:00)
2. From Civil Engineering to Construction Tech (00:03:44)
3. COVID's Impact on Construction Technology (00:07:51)
4. BuildPass: A Comprehensive Site Operations Tool (00:15:55)
5. Expanding to the US Market (00:24:40)
6. AI Revolution in Construction (00:31:30)
7. Practical Applications of AI (00:48:10)
8. Building a Brand in Construction Tech (00:57:20)
9. Final Thoughts on Politics and Value (01:04:37)
87 episodes